At the half, Lakers 56, Magic 46. CLOSE IT OUT!

DEREK FISHER!!! Lakers up 3 games to 1!

And for the Obama Era's Next Trick...

This one, from One News Now, absolutely hacked me off.

http://www.onenewsnow.com/Legal/Default.aspx?id=557214

The NBA Finals-Game 1

My Los Angeles Lakers are on a quest for a franchise 15th Championship, in this, the 30th appearance. Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher are playing for their fourth, all as Lakers. The Orlando Magic pose a difficult test for my boys, but I remain confident. HERE WE GO!

The five starters had a look in their eyes as they were being introduced that spoke of focus and determination. I like it.

At the first timeout the game is tied at 14. Bryant and Turkoglu are the early offense for each team.
20-18, Lakers at the next timeout.
Bynum was just benched with his second foul. The call was questionable.
Pau has missed in close 3 times, but hit from the outside. He may have been pushed on that last play, but no call.
Pau gets a dunk! That's more like it.
Howard is called for the offensive foul, his second. He'll have to sit.
The Lakers are in the penalty. I hate giving up easy points.
Gasol is still struggling on the block. I don't get it.
The first quarter ends with the Magic up 24-22.

Lamar Odom hits a jump shot to start the second. 24-24.
Jameer Nelson, who hasn't played in 4 months, looks good. My goodness.
The Lakers take a timeout, down 5.
Luke Walton has 6 points off the bench.
Bryant gets inside to give the Lakers a 34-33 lead. We're on a 6-0 run. Timeout, Magic.
The Magic take another timeout. The Lakers are on a 10-0 run. Kobe has hit the last 6. The Lakers lead 38-33 with 5:15 to play in the second.
With 2:43 to play in the half, the Lakers lead 45-39. Kobe is hot. He has 16 points.
The Lakers finish the half strong and lead at halftime 53-43.

Bryant opens the third with a pretty up-and-under move. Then knocks down a jumper. Lakers lead 57-43.
Bynum has picked up his 4th foul. Yikes.
Kobe going back to work. He hits a jumper in the lane, and gets hit. The free throw is good. The Lakers lead 64-50.
Offensive foul on Howard.
Beautiful ball movement by the Lakers. Odom hits, and one! Free throw no good. Lakers by 16.
Gasol inside! Timeout, Magic. The Lakers have opened up an 18 point lead!
The Lakers are playing great defense.
Bryant puts in his 31st point to push the lead to 20.
Bryant is a BEAST! Bank shot, and one! Free throw good. The Lakers lead 75-52.
Bryant gets an assist to Ariza for a 3. The Lakers lead by 25, 80-55.
The Lakers outscore the Magic in the third 29-15. At the end of the third, the Lakers lead 82-58.

Nice give-and-go to Walton. He didn't finish but will go to the line. 83-58, Lakers.
Odom, and one. The lead is now 27. Free throw good. Lakers lead 88-60.
Pietrus hits and will go to the line. Timeout.
Pietrus misses the free throw. The Lakers lead 88-62.
Andrew Bynum is back in the game. He gets fouled in the act inside. 1 of 2 from the line.
Howard 1 of 2 from the line. 89-65, Lakers.
With 5:13 left, the Lakers lead 89-65.
Bryant to the line. Both are good. 91-65.
Kobe now has 40, which the most he's ever scored in a finals game. With 1:50 left in the game, the Lakers lead 97-73.
And Game 1 of the 2009 NBA Finals is in the books.
The Lakers take it 100-75.

The Passing of a Veteran

The oldest Australian war vet passed away recently. Here's the link to the story.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090603/lf_nm_life/us_australia_soldier